Reality TV Shows Promoting Fitness

With so many people longing to get in shape today, it is no small wonder there are a number of reality shows with a fitness theme. Some people may say that sitting on the sofa watching a fitness show is not really helpful, but watching others get in shape - especially people that seemed to be almost hopeless cases - can inspire you to lose weight and get fit.

One of the most popular fitness/weight loss shows on American television is NBC's "The Biggest Loser." The premise of "The Biggest Loser" is simple - take obese people and have them live on a campus while they learn to properly diet and workout with the help of trainers. One of the reasons the show is so popular is that the people chosen to go on the show seem almost doomed to failure because they are so obese. Many are facing medical issues such as diabetes or heart disease if they do not get their weight under control. However, most feel that being so large hinders them from exercise.

"The Biggest Loser" has been on the air for five seasons. The first season was comprised of 12 contestants divided up between two trainers, Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels. Season 2 featured 14 contestants who were divided up into teams based on their gender. Season 3 had a twist - it featured 50 contestants, one from each state. From that 50, it was narrowed down to 14 who would remain at the campus with Bob and Kim Lyons (who replaced Jillian), but the other 36 participated in a weigh loss/fitness program at home and some of them later rejoined the cast. Season 4 saw an even bigger surprise - of the original 18 that showed up on campus, only 12 were chosen for teams. However, the six not chosen formed the secretive Black team, trained by Jillian. The Black Team trained separately and unknown from the other teams, but later joined them. The fifth season of "The Biggest Loser" featured couples - teams comprised of mother/daughter, father/daughter, brothers, best friends, former teammates, mother/son, etc. Each duo fought against the other couples until the Blue and Black teams were established. Seasons 6 and 7 are scheduled to be "The Biggest Loser: Families" and "The Biggest Loser: Couples II" respectively.

Each season the contestants learn not only how to eat nutritiously, but also must workout each day. While the trainers help, there are times when the contestants must figure out their own diet and workout plans based on what they have learned on the show.

Another reality show with a fitness theme focuses on celebrities who have let themselves go - "Celebrity Fit Club." "Celebrity Fit Club" airs on VH1 and is now in its sixth season. Celebrities such as comedian Ralphie May, rapper Biz Markie, actress Jackee Harry, actress Kelly LeBrock, singer Carnie Wilson, and actress Maureen McCormick, and host A.J. Benza have appeared on the show. Like contestants on "The Biggest Loser," the celebrities are shown how to prepare healthy meals while also undergoing physical training with former Drill Sergeant Harvey Walden, IV. There is also a psychotherapist there to help the celebrities get to the root of their weight problems.

Whether it is real people or celebrities losing weight, a fitness reality show can inspire you to get in shape and eat healthier.